The Role Of Guilt In The Crucible

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CONFLICT WITH THE SELF The Crucible also explores the conflict that can arise in the hearts and minds of individuals, the personal crisis of conscience which can be exacerbated by guilt or self doubt. John Proctor exemplifies the way in which private guilt or a personal crisis relates to the wider public conflict. The relationship with A. Williams has revealed weakness, as well as poor judgement and he hates himself for it. As his wife says: ‘The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you’. Consequently, he has come to regard himself as ‘a kind of fraud’ not the man that Salem assumes him to be. Proctor’s conversation with Abigail in Act 1 reveals his determination to distance himself from the girl, while highlighting his ambivalence. The residual tension between Proctor and Eliz is an on going reminder of his guilt. Act 2 reveals just how strained relations between the couple have become. The sustained conflict between husband and wife does nothing to alleviate Proctor’s conscience. He tells Elizabeth that her ‘justice would freeze beer’…show more content…
Guilt presented as corrosive and ultimately destructive of the human spirit. Proctor’s sense of shame does not permit him to initially demonstrate principle conviction like Rebecca Nurse in the face of a self anointed, morally superior authority. He declares ‘let them that never lied die now and to keep their souls’. (pg 119) Proctor wants to live, and is willing to draw on the fact of his past transgressions in order to justify recanting. He is ready to be swayed by Hale’s compelling argument that ‘life is G-d’s most precious gift, no principle, however glorious, may justify taking it” (pg
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